SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 73
WHEREAS, For a half century, singer and guitarist Joe Paul
Nichols distinguished himself as one of the Lone Star State's
premier country and gospel musicians; and
WHEREAS, The son of O. W. and Myrtle Nichols, Joe Paul
Nichols was born in Cundiff in 1941; he learned to play guitar at
age nine, and his first break in the music industry came when he
was hired to contribute to the weekly country show Cowtown
Hoedown; after graduating from Jacksboro High School in 1960, he
was a regular performer on the Big D Jamboree television program;
and
WHEREAS, In 1970, Mr. Nichols formed his own band, The Five
Pennies, and the group gained acclaim with their blend of
country, western swing, and country gospel music; over the course
of his prolific career, he shared the stage with numerous country
music luminaries and recorded 26 albums and more than 300 songs;
he scored a number one hit on the country gospel charts with
"Jesus is the Same in California," and in 2006, his song "Eleven
Eighteen Nadine Lane" captured Song of the Year honors from the
Academy of Western Artists; among his numerous accolades, he was
inducted into the Texas International Music Association Hall of
Fame, and the International Country Gospel Music Association
named its lifetime achievement award in his honor; moreover, he
served as the music director at Cundiff Baptist Church for 48
years; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Nichols maintained a day job throughout his
musical career, working as a state inspector for the Texas
Department of Transportation for 34 years and serving as the
county commissioner in Jack County for a decade; he retired from
music in 2008 and passed away on July 27, 2011, at the age of 69;
and
WHEREAS, With his exceptional talent and dedication to his
craft, Joe Paul Nichols earned a special place in the hearts of
innumerable people, and his musical legacy will continue to
resonate for years to come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th
Legislature, hereby commend Joe Paul Nichols for his
contributions to country and gospel music and pay tribute to the
life and legacy of this beloved Texas musician; and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That when the Texas Senate adjourns this day, it
do so in honor of Joe Paul Nichols.
Springer
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on January 24, 2023.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate